Caterpillars of Eastern Forests

Sweetbay Silkmoth (Callosamia securifera)

Similar to promethea moth but "waxier" appearing. Second and third thoracic segments with orange-red knobs, these yellow and black at base. Faint subspiracular stripe on abdominal segments. Sides of body with smaller black spots not rimmed with blue. Anal plate similar in color to rest of abdomen. Caterpillars of tulip-tree silkmoth (C. angulifera) often indistinguishable, but exclusively on tulip-tree. Food: sweet bay. Caterpillar: May to October; 2 or 3 generations.

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